5 Concerns Of Women Who Are Pregnant After 35 + What I Tell Them: An MD Explains

The age at which women have their first child continues to increase. In fact, according to the CDC, the first birth rate for women ages 40 to 44 has doubled since 1990, and the rate for women ages 35 to 39 has increased sixfold since the 1970s!

Moms over 35 have told me that when they see their doctors for appointments, the majority of the time the focus is on risk factors and potential hazards of pregnancy at an older age. One patient wistfully said, “I just wish my doctor was excited about the pregnancy for me and focused on all the good things, too, instead of just the bad.”

Women who have children at an older age have postponed childbirth for various reasons. One common reason is wanting to feel settled in the workplace and having advanced to a position where taking time off for child-rearing feels appropriate. Another is feeling settled in a partnership, having taken the time to get to know one’s partner and grow closer. Many of my patients describe themselves as women who are planners and worriers. As a result, their baby was planned, as were all the circumstances around the pregnancy, labor, and beyond.

Pregnancy-related anxiety and depression are common, affecting as many as 10 to 15 percent of women. Risk factors include a family or personal history of depression or anxiety, unstable circumstances at home, and lack of social support. While having a baby later can be very well-planned and desired, this does not completely eliminate risk. As a result, all women should be familiar with symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety.

Women over age 35 repeatedly hear the message that their fertility is declining. Those over 40 often hear that the chance of conceiving is highly unlikely. So women in this age group are less likely to use contraception and consequently, unplanned pregnancies can occur.

An unplanned pregnancy—different from an unwanted pregnancy—can still be challenging. A woman whose pregnancy is a surprise likely did not have the opportunity to take vitamins early on or have an early OB appointment. It can mean a sudden rush to make lifestyle changes, employment adjustments, or adjustments to finances. This sudden stress can take a toll.

Many older moms have described to me the feeling of not belonging—whether it's in the pregnancy yoga class, the postpartum lactation group, or on the preschool playground. They note that it's difficult to relate to the new mom who might be in her late 20s or to the older mom who already has several children. It can be hard to hear comments like, “Aren’t you concerned that you’re changing diapers when everyone else’s kids are leaving for college?”

When in this position, it’s important to reframe the situation. It's valuable to think about your reasons for making the choice to have the baby at this time in your life. It may be as simple as this was the right time for you! Your decision was based on many factors that naysayers do not understand and you should not feel obligated to explain to them. Instead, take comfort in knowing this was the right decision for you and your family. As there is a rise in the number of women choosing to have babies later, finding the right support group becomes easier, and sometimes online is the best place.

My hope is that all moms over age 35 understand that focusing on emotional well-being can help make your pregnancy, regardless of your age, more enjoyable and rewarding.